L'aîné des Ferchaux

First, I understand that other people don't appreciate this remake of the Jean-Pierre Melville's terrific picture, forty years earlier. The 1962 film will remain an outstanding piece of work, and forever. But the Melville's movie was not accurate at all from the George Simenon's novel, and this remake is far closer to it, especially the ending, which Melville was totally against about. I would never imagine such an ending in a Melville's film, especially in the sixties...

The directing is OK, no more. The face to face between Belmondo and Naceri interesting, although the one Belmondo had with Anconina in ITINERAIRE D'UN Infant GATE, back in 1988, was far better.

An interesting TV movie, very unusual, surprising for those who had not read the Simenon's novel.

Nothing more to say. Except perhaps that the only reason to endure this sorry effort is Sami Naceri. He's not as convincing as in Petit Ben for instance, but this is rather due to the poorer than poor direction.

Anyway, I'll never understand why there are people out there feeling the need to foozle a masterpiece with their less than mediocre efforts.

The same thing is bound to happen when next year the assault on "Le Deuxième Soufflé" will happen to see the light of day.

What about a little respect for the work of a genius? It should be common knowledge, that the films of Jean-Pierre Melville can't be surpassed. Who's gonna save us from such a crap when even the french start to beat the Americans when it comes to making trashy remakes of their masterpieces? What's next? A remake of "Le Samourai" starring Tom Cruise? Argh!